<div class="ExternalClassCDC53C9C9AFE4776BCE5E5A2D479052C"><p>At this evening's Katy ISD Board meeting, Trustees voted 4-3 to name Acting Superintendent, Ken Gregorski, as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent of schools. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Gregorski is a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in public education. Having served as a teacher, associate principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent in school districts of different sizes and varying needs, he has demonstrated the ability to lead with determination, vision and a deep understanding of a community's priorities. He is also the father of two secondary students currently enrolled in Katy ISD schools. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Over the past two years as deputy superintendent, Gregorski played an integral role in laying the groundwork for student learning in Katy ISD through his supervision of the School Leadership and Support Department, Human Resources and the Athletics Department. As superintendent of schools, it is expected that Gregorski will maintain Katy ISD's educational excellence and sustain its continuity of leadership while also helping the District reach the goals of its five-year strategic plan.<br></p><p>Per Texas code Sec. 552.126, a state mandated 21-day waiting period will follow before Gregorski will officially assume the superintendent role.<br></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/Kenneth%20Gregorski%20headshot.jpg" alt="Kenneth Gregorski headshot.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:356px;" /><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass20147BB4871C42559DFF12F2CAA485B5"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">When walking down the brick sidewalk located at Katy Heritage Park, there's a piece of Katy Independent School District history you simply can't miss.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Hundreds of bricks at the park are dedicated to the past and present Katy ISD teachers who have devoted countless hours towards the education of their students.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">On Wednesday, December 5, Katy ISD along with Venus Construction and Country Park Portraits, unveiled a new set of bricks honoring the 67 Campus Teachers of the Year, for the 2017-2018 school year.</span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"As a former administrator of Katy ISD, we cannot be the school district we are today without quality teachers in every classroom," said Acting Superintendent Ken Gregorski. "Our teachers put smiles on our students every day and these bricks are only a small token of appreciation for everything they do," added Gregorski.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD has some of the best teachers in the country and with these commemorative bricks their legacy will be etched in the history of the District as well as in the community. This year, as Katy ISD celebrates a Century of Legacy, the district recognizes that the priority of its founders of providing quality education, lives on today in our current teachers.</p><p>Katy ISD thanks Venus Construction, Country Park Portraits and Katy Heritage Society for providing a space for the brick laying. During the ceremony, the Katy High School Choir provided entertainment with several singing performances.</p><p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/69to7lsyb2q0bd0/AACW0x7G3f6_SSnA6YYLzhA0a?dl=0">Photo Gallery of the Teacher of the Year Brick Unveiling</a> </p><p><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/120518_TOY%20Brick%20Unveiling%20(67).JPG" alt="120518_TOY Brick Unveiling (67).JPG" style="margin:5px;width:611px;" /><br></p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass73CE0F51637D46BA8EA8EAC4E60F627B"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">With the construction of Elementary #42 set to be completed for the 2019-20 school year, Board of Trustee members considered and discussed attendance boundary modification (ABM) options.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">After seeking the public's consideration through a survey, Trustees approved Option #1 which can be viewed on the </span><a href="/abm/Pages/ABM-2019-2020-Elementary42.aspx" style="text-align:justify;">Attendance Boundary Modification website</a><span style="text-align:justify;">.</span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The survey, which was sent out in June 2018, contained three options which were sent to families who could potentially be impacted by the change. On October 17, the survey was closed and District administrators along with Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) collaboratively crafted the recommendations from the community. The results showed that 40% of families that could be impacted by this change participated in the survey bringing the total participants to 1,442. Option #1 resulted in the most favored choice with 47% of participants fully supporting the recommendation, 22% somewhat supporting the recommendation, 12% not supporting the recommendation and 20% indicating they were unsure. This option represents a balance between building utilization, proximity for students and peer stability in the education environment.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD invites all parents to review the new option as well as some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to ABMs via the <a href="/abm/Pages/ABM-2019-2020-Elementary42.aspx">ABM website</a>.<br></p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass397D9F9DF93B47F2A738A74FE84B9D31"><p><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees approved to name the Student Support Annex the "Jeanne Coleman Student Support Annex."</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">The annex, recently known as "Creech University", served as the temporary campus for displaced Creech Elementary students and staff following Hurricane Harvey.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">The facility, which is now property of Katy ISD, will house the District's Early Childhood Testing, Work-Based Learning Program, Speech Therapy Testing, Vision Impaired and Braille staff, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and other special education related services.</span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Jeanne Coleman is well known in the Katy ISD Family for her passion and leadership skills. She began her educational career as a speech-language pathologist and worked for 13 years in two different school districts. Coleman was hired by Katy ISD in 1998 where she worked as a speech-language pathologist at Nottingham Country Elementary (NCE). A year later, Coleman was promoted as an instructional officer. Her role soon expanded to include the provision of speech therapy services for secondary students at the Opportunity Awareness Center and the Behavior Transition Program. She also coordinated district-wide speech therapy, adapted physical education and related services for occupational therapy, physical therapy, music and art therapy.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">She worked tirelessly on establishing eligibility guidelines for the district, overseeing assessment teams and establishing service program guidelines, all while maintaining federal, state and local guidelines. While in this role, her responsibilities continued to grow in size. Coleman became responsible for the supervision and administrative responsibilities for roughly 120 direct hires and contract speech-language pathologists. She also took on the instructional services for the visually impaired population throughout the district. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Coleman's passion continues today for children with special needs as she advocates on their behalf to help them achieve their goals. Coleman retired in 2016 with 31 years of dedication and service to students and parents.<br></p><p><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/Jeanne%20Coleman%20headshot.jpg" alt="Jeanne Coleman headshot.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:419px;" /><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass6D23AB53AA6C4EAF8AA20DC07F6B1098"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">During Katy ISD's Regular Board meeting tonight, Trustees voted to appoint Deputy Superintendent Ken Gregorski as acting superintendent effective December 1, until a permanent district leader is identified. Superintendent Lance Hindt will continue to work closely with Mr. Gregorski and the Board until his retirement this January. </span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"My fellow Trustees and I believe that Katy ISD needs a leader who will continue to support the high quality leadership within, maintain our standard of student excellence, and advance the groundwork that has already been laid," said Board President Courtney Doyle. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Under Dr. Hindt's leadership, Katy ISD schools have taken the top spots in a number of regional, state and national rankings, graduation rates continue to trend upward each year, and students have consistently outperformed their peers across the state. During Hindt's tenure the district also implemented its first ever strategic plan, and developed and passed a $609 million schools bond. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mr. Gregorski has 26 years of experience in public education, which includes roles as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent<span style="text-decoration:underline;">.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Katy ISD Board of Trustees continues to review and discuss options for its superintendent search. As this is the most important decision a school board makes, no definitive timetable has been set for the process at this time.<br></p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass5A748F759DCB42329829082C02EE7D43"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Expecting to end the year with an enrollment of 80,000 students, or fairly close to it, Katy Independent School District has reached this monumental milestone two months prior to the end of 2018. Davidson Elementary third-grader Christopher Morcos was the lucky student. He never expected his first week of school to be such an unforgettable experience. Christopher received a warm welcome by Superintendent Lance Hindt and other district officials. He was also recognized with several Century of Legacy gifts to celebrate the meaningful occasion. The celebration comes precisely when Katy ISD is commemorating 100 years of educational excellence. </span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"We are very excited about the continued growth here in Katy ISD. It is always great to welcome students and families to the proud traditions and exciting future here in Katy ISD," said Dr. Vonda Washington, assistant superintendent for school leadership and support. "Gaining our 80,000 student while celebrating a legacy of 100 years dedicated to learning is remarkable," added Washington. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Though Christopher was born in America this will be his first time attending a school in the United States. Just this week, the Morcos family moved from Egypt to Katy, Texas. For them, finding a good school home for their son was a top priority. "I did my research and everyone recommended Katy ISD as the best school district," said Peter Morcos, Christopher's father. "We decided to move into Katy and look for a house in this area so that we are able to go to a Katy ISD school," added Morcos. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">It's been no secret that families are moving west of Houston into what was known as a small suburb. Communities zoned to the district have been flourishing at outstanding rates making Katy ISD one of the fastest growing school district, not just in Texas, but in the nation. The quality of education offered in Katy ISD classrooms has attracted families from all parts of the world to what is now being called a destination school district. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/hy4wlNcTpIg" title="Katy ISD Reaches Historical Milestone of Enrolling 80,000 Students!"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/110918_KDE_80000%20Student%20in%20Katy%20ISD.jpg" alt="110918_KDE_80000 Student in Katy ISD.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:393px;" /></a><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ugakv368u3txdq2/AAD8v6dOSjy4DCep3cH0TjJ4a?dl=0">Photo gallery of 80,000th student celebration for newscasts and publications.</a><br></p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass4033FAFC70404CEEA7707BA19666C838"><p>​<span style="text-align:justify;">If a snapshot of Katy Independent School District was taken today, what would it look like?</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">As Katy ISD celebrates 100 years of providing unparalleled learning experiences, on October 26, Superintendent Lance Hindt spoke to the Katy ISD community and its staff regarding how far the District has come.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD is proud to announce that not only this year, but in the past 100 years there have been several memories, milestones and accomplishments that speak volumes of one the fastest growing school districts in the nation.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Katy ISD staff, principals, department heads, teachers, along with the thousands of other employees will continue to do everything in their power to provide the best education and access to unique learning opportunities today, and for generations to come," said Superintendent of Schools Lance Hindt. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">One of the hardest hitting obstacles Katy ISD faced in the past year was brought on by Mother Nature. Hurricane Harvey affected 16 campuses, including Creech Elementary, which was completely destroyed. Employees at the Education Support Complex were also displaced for several months. Despite the challenge, the District grew stronger and more united after this storm allowing for the passing of a Bond and continued implementation of several strategic design goals. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Strategic design discussion and input led to the creation of eight goals based on seven overarching beliefs, a learner profile and learner outcomes," said Ken Gregorski, Deputy Superintendent of Katy ISD. "We are now in the second year of our five-year plan," added Gregorski.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD is one of 447 districts nationwide and in Canada recognized on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll for increasing access to AP coursework while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning a passing grade. Our students also excelled in the annual Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo with nearly 465 projects, which totaled more than half a million dollars in sales. Additionally, the District earned an "A" letter grade in the TEA's new accountability rating. Katy ISD was the largest school district, with close to 80,000 students to receive this grade. Just recently Niche, an educational data analysis site, also announced their "Top 10 Public Elementary Schools in the Houston Area" and Katy ISD took all 10 spots, plus an additional six. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Providing exceptional instruction and learning, as well as a safe and secure environment, is a process that involves great teachers, parents, school staff, administrators, mentors, volunteers, businesses, parent support groups, along with local and state governments," said Board of Trustees President Courtney Doyle.</p><p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f8dixb0tfkx3op7/AAA_B7B_DB9EUauao-sXZwlaa?dl=0">Photo Gallery of State of the District Event</a><br></p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass30B08DA3ECDC4FD78281ACC6C8A067BE"><p>​<span style="text-align:justify;">Hoax threats are not a joke. This type of action can lead to serious legal consequences, even if there was never an intent to carry out the threat. Katy Independent School District has joined forces with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Houston Division and various other law enforcement agencies to launch a public awareness campaign entitled #ThinkBeforeYouPost. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Members of the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, police chiefs from Houston, Katy, Fort Bend and Aldine Independent School Districts as well as Crime Stoppers of Houston and Clear Channel Outdoor seek to educate the public about the consequences of making hoax threats of violence to schools and other public places. Every threat is taken seriously and this type of behavior is considered a crime which can lead to a sentence of up to five years in prison, if escalated to a federal crime. If a federal charge is not warranted, state charges can be considered. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">"I would like to give a word of commendation to the federal authorities for putting together an effort including law enforcement agencies from area school districts. This is a campaign that creates awareness with young people and also with their parents," said Robert Jinks, Katy ISD Chief of Police.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to authorities, posting false threats through social media platforms or any electronic means, not only requires countless hours of investigation by law enforcement agencies but it also drains school resources and ends up costing taxpayers' money. In some cases, schools shut down resulting in the loss of instructional time for students and teachers. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Misguided attempts at humor are no laughing matter and can end up ruining a student's future aspirations and career opportunities. Katy ISD seeks the public's assistance to curb hoax threats among our student population. Below you will find additional resources to share with family and friends. Remember hoax threats are not a joke, so <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>think before you post!​</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong style="text-align:left;">Resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/think-before-you-post-psa.mp4/view">Think Before You Post PSA</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/ftw-podcast-hoax-threats-campaign-052318.mp3/view">FBI, This Week: Campaign Addresses Consequences of Hoax Threats</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/ftw-podcast-espanol-hoax-threats-campaign-053118.mp3/view">Esta Semana en el FBI: Por Medio de una Campaña se Abordan las Consecuencias de las Amenaza</a></li><li>​</li><li></li></ul><div><span style="font-size:14px;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/Think%20Before%20You%20Post%20Picture.jpg" alt="Think Before You Post Picture.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:607px;" /><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14px;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/Think%20Before%20You%20Post%20Picture2.jpg" alt="Think Before You Post Picture2.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:589px;" /><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></div></div>

<div class="ExternalClassCCA63BF150714AB8A1EB2D7FCABD2D55"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">An impressive milestone has been reached at Katy Independent School District. This year the District will celebrate a "Century of Legacy".</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Enacted on February 25, 1919, the legislature of the State of Texas established and created Katy ISD out of part of Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">During our centennial celebration, Katy ISD invites everyone to view the historical accomplishments through our </span><a href="/sites/100Year/Pages/default.aspx" style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD Century of Legacy website</a><span style="text-align:justify;">, which details landmark accomplishments, the stories of affluential leaders and images that have survived the test of time.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Throughout the school year, Katy ISD will celebrate a century of dedication and commitment to our students, staff and community with campus celebrations and learning opportunities for our students, the future legacies of Katy ISD. It is also a perfect opportunity for the District to partner up with those who can contribute additional information on the past achievements of one of the fastest growing school districts in the nation. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Over the past several months, dozens of Katy ISD employees along with namesakes and community members shifted through yesteryears and identified key events and timelines, all of which can now be found in a centralized location. The goal is to make known a legacy filled with growth, tradition, culture and meaning. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Katy ISD looks forward to celebrating this centennial, as well as commence on its next century of providing educational excellence. </p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassED27DFA8514C4B0DB56B9DC56D2D01C0"><p>It's hard to imagine that it has been a year since Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast. This storm would end up being one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, and one that would have a huge impact on the Katy ISD community. One year later, Katy ISD is Stronger Together! Through the <a href="/community/Pages/Harvey.aspx"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Katy ISD </span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Stronger Together</em></span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"> website</span></a>, the District is highlighting the valiant acts of heroism and resilience, of which many silently took place before, during and after the storm.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In total, 16 Katy ISD campuses sustained damages, and close to 15,000 students along with nearly 3,000 employees were directly impacted by the flooding. Since then the indomitable Katy Spirit has shined brighter than the destruction. Recognizing that we are stronger together, Katy ISD officials joined forces with government agencies and area residents to help our Katy residents. The selfless service of individuals could be seen when shelters were opened and donations started pouring in. Many Katy ISD employees even got on buses to conduct water rescues in flooded neighborhoods and the overwhelming donations at times brought even the strongest to tears. <br><br>As we reflect on the first year since this catastrophic event, we would like to take time to recognize the people who turned a tragedy into a triumph of community. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Visit our <a href="/community/Pages/Harvey.aspx"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Katy ISD </span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Stronger Together</em></span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"> website</span></a>. </p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass696831611A8445A294BC986A75915E48"><p>​Starting September, Katy Independent School District will launch an initiative created to equip all parents with tools to provide additional support to their children. It is called Legacy Parent Academy. In it, parents will hear from experts on topics that impact students and schools district-wide such as financial aid for college, mental health resources and bullying. </p><p>"Legacy Parent Academy is a new initiative designed as part of the District's Strategic Plan Goal 8, which focuses on supporting the emotional well-being of all learners," said Director of Counseling Services Christy Maeker. "This is a great opportunity to provide parents with information and strategies to assist their children," added Maeker.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Legacy Parent Academy sessions are supplemental to campus-based programs and initiatives. The topics of each session were selected based on the need expressed by parents and in response to concerns the District sees on campuses and the community. Katy ISD looks forward to working with local media partners to promote and cover these sessions, which can be found on the district's <a href="/parents/Pages/Legacy-Parent-Academy.aspx">Legacy Parent Academy website</a>. The first session "Emotional Well-being and Referral Processes" is on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Legacy Stadium from 6 – 8 p.m., with capacity for 325 attendees. This is the first of 11 Legacy Parent Academy sessions planned for the 2018-19 school year. Five of the academy sessions focus on social-emotional learning topics while six of them focus on academic topics. </p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassD29DBBFFDA2F4B05B2D2535FD1488492"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Just in time for the beginning of the school year, Katy Independent School District announces its new Bullying Tip line.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Students across the district can now anonymously report potential bullying incidents by simply using the new feature found on the already existing Katy </span><em style="text-align:justify;">OnTheGo</em><span style="text-align:justify;"> app.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">As part of the 2018-19 academic year, Katy ISD continues to support the emotional well-being of all its learners. Several bullying prevention initiatives will be rolled out throughout the year encouraging students to <strong>"Don't just stand by -</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Stand up against bullying."</strong> All Katy ISD students will see a series of informational videos that address issues like how to identify bullying, policies and procedures at our campuses, as well as highlighting prevention and other related programs found across the District. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Bullying Tip line is user friendly and students will be shown how the feature works during classroom time. The Katy <em>OnTheGo</em> app is free on the App Store or Google Play. ​ </p><p>​</p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassB89FCB2BA1E34FC688FFAA266A4BD49F"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">One of Katy Independent School District's top priorities is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, parents and community members, who visit our campuses and facilities. This school year, Katy ISD announces additional campus safety and security measures which include:</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Parent and Visitor Identification (ID) Requirement:</span><br>All parents and visitors must now present a valid, current, government-issued picture ID outside of the main entrance at all Katy ISD campuses prior to gaining admittance. Each campus is equipped with a controlled access system that includes a camera and an intercom that parents and visitors will need to utilize when presenting their ID for entrance. To gain further access beyond the campus front lobby, individuals will again be required to present their ID to the front desk receptionist in order to be officially logged into the visitor tracking system.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Student Identification (ID) Badge Requirement:</span><br>Secondary students must now wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on district property. Students in grades PK-5 will continue to use their badges during lunch and library times. Fourth and fifth-grade students are requested to wear their badges throughout the school day. At the secondary level, failure to follow the ID badge requirement may be considered a violation of the <em>Student Code of Conduct</em>.<br> </li><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Campus Door Unlock Times</span>:<br>Controlled access systems on campuses will now unlock main entrance doors at a set time each morning. The standard door unlock times for main entrance doors are:<br><br> Elementary Group 1 7:35 a.m.<br><br> Elementary Group 2 7:55 a.m.<br><br> Junior High 8:10 a.m.<br><br> High School 6:45 a.m.<br><br>Students who are dropped off before the doors are unlocked will not be able to enter the building, unless they are there for an official school activity or other exception.<br> </li><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Clear Bag Regulation:<br></span>T<span style="text-align:justify;">o ensure visitor safety, along with a quick and efficient entry into our event venues, Katy ISD has instituted a clear bag regulation. This will limit size and type of bag allowed at the sporting events, performances and graduations held at Rhodes and Legacy stadiums, as well as the Leonard Merrell Center (LMC) and the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Agricultural Sciences Center.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">These enhancements are in addition to Katy ISD's existing multi-layered safety and security measures already in place across the District. For additional information visit our <a href="/students/Pages/SafetySecurity.aspx">Student Safety and Security webpage</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass1CAFE9553AC94A3A93818D7B2E8A2052"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">This summer two Katy Independent School District students will enjoy their school break thanks to the quick thinking of three Katy ISD Police Officers.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Officer Christopher Pickering, Officer Michael Seiss and Officer Jose Gonzalez used their law enforcement and crisis management skills to save the lives of two students contemplating suicide.</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Chief of Police Robert E. Jinks, along with his staff, honored them with the </span><em style="text-align:justify;">Chief's Meritorious Citation Award.</em><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On January 8, 2018, Officer Pickering was dispatched to a residence in reference to a possible suicidal student. Officer Pickering's crisis intervention skills and his ability to develop a rapport with the student led to a voluntary mental health evaluation which saved the student's life. After receiving treatment, the student informed the police department that Officer Pickering's dedication to his duty and his show of concern prevented him from taking his life that evening.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">On March 7, 2018, Officer Seiss and Officer Gonzalez were dispatched to Cinco Ranch High School in reference to a possible suicide. Upon arriving both officers quickly assessed the severity of the incident and immediately began life-saving measures, that included creating a make-shift tourniquet with a leather belt, in order to halt the loss of blood from the victim. The actions of these two officers were instrumental in saving his life. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Every day there is an abundance of heroism displayed by our officers throughout our campuses," said Chief Jinks. "Although we don't often witness these acts of bravery, the work our law enforcement officers conduct at our schools proves to be a life-changing one," added Jinks. </p><p>The <em>Chief's Meritorious Citation Award</em> is presented to recognize and reward the actions of law enforcement officers and staff for their meritorious service to our school district. This recognition reflects a commitment to the Katy ISD Police Department's core values which are <em>Integrity First, Service before Self and Excellence in All.</em><em> </em>All three officers will now wear the merit pin as part of their uniform. </p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/060118_Officer%20Christopher%20Pickering.jpg" alt="060118_Officer Christopher Pickering.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Officer Christopher Pickering</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/060118_Officer%20Jose%20Gonzalez%20-%20smaller.jpg" alt="060118_Officer Jose Gonzalez - smaller.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Officer Jose Gonzalez</p><p style="text-align:center;"><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Lists/latestnews/AllItems/060118_Officer%20Michael%20Seiss%20-%20smaller.jpg" alt="060118_Officer Michael Seiss - smaller.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p style="text-align:center;">Officer Michael Seiss</p><p><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassF7F5F6CCC16B427FB371474B760C525A"><p>As part of the Katy Independent School District, "<em>Your District, Your Voice</em>" initiative, the community has provided its input for the upcoming yearly instructional calendar. The Katy ISD Board of Trustees has approved the following option for the 2018-2019 academic year: </p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;">Option #1</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><p>School Begins: Wednesday, August 15</p><p>School Ends: Thursday, May 23</p><p>Instructional Calendar Days: 177</p><p>Full week off for Thanksgiving</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>"The District is required to have a minimum of 75,600 minutes of instruction per school year," says Bonnie Holland, associate superintendent for administration, governance and legal affairs. "With the options approved, Katy ISD has enough calendar minutes to cover two bad weather days," added Holland.</p><p>K-12 <em>Insight</em>, the external research firm conducting the survey, found that, out of the 22,169 participants, 65% favored option #1. The Board also approved an instructional calendar for 2019-2020 school year. This calendar mirrors the preferred components of the 2018-19 calendar.​​​​</p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassC7376F9331D64B99ABE0BAEE821C0218"><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"trebuchet ms", sans-serif;color:black;">Katy ISD provides an online Canvas course with helpful information for parents
of students with dyslexia or for those who are concerned their child might have
dyslexia. The page will be updated regularly to include new information as it
becomes available. Please see the attachment for a link to this course and a
list of topics covered.</span></p><p><br></p><p><a href="/campus/cbe/Documents/Dyslexia%20Parent%20Education.pdf">Dyslexia Parent Education.pdf</a>​<br></p></div>

It is the policy of Katy ISD not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, religion, color, gender, age, or national originin its educational programs and/or activities, including career and technology programs, nor in its employment practicesand to provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Katy ISD is not responsible for the content on external websites or servers.